https://www.umnews.org/The latest news from the United Methodist News Service. UM News: Fair. Faithful. Trusted.enCopyright 2024 United Methodist Communicationsnewsdesk@umcom.org (Julie Dwyer)https://www.umnews.org/-/media/umc-media/2024/03/11/15/36/umnews-logo-1000px.png?h=367&w=1000https://www.umnews.org/60{FB8BBBA3-28A1-46C7-957F-F5AEBA9FEFE1}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-leaders-explore-future-of-jurisdictionsUnited Methodist leaders are considering a proposal to leave the existence of jurisdictions up to each of the newly created regional conferences, including the U.S. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:20:18 -0500{814A4173-FDCF-4592-8585-F17E6764356A}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/when-fear-knocks-the-church-shows-upThis 12-minute documentary in both English and Spanish captures the lived reality of United Methodist congregations in Chicago navigating fear, loss and uncertainty amid increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:56:16 -0500{2080B305-E0D5-4AA3-9E45-BE69D1CFCDAE}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishops-name-us-regional-conference-organizersThe newly named group is responsible for planning the first United Methodist assembly that will make decisions affecting only church members in the U.S. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:58:06 -0500{8F60163B-8469-4CD7-B62A-0E3D1E4720E6}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/probe-underway-of-pastor-who-worked-for-epsteinUnited Methodist leaders learned this week that an ordained elder from Missouri worked briefly as a property manager for the convicted sex offender.Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:48:39 -0500{B6692584-12DF-44EF-9DE3-D8DDAFD581A0}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/minnesota-wisdom-council-lifts-all-voicesThe Minnesota Conference is taking a new approach to ensure that historically underrepresented groups have a say in conference leadership.Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:14:19 -0500{0B12E998-877E-4E8C-B1D7-CA89E2079908}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/what-comes-next-after-faithful-resistance-marchAfter the mountaintop experience of the Feb. 25 rally, we now must do the work in the valley, writes John W. Coleman.Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:17:14 -0500{5E165F64-7099-420B-B4D8-AED71037EE8B}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/des-soins-prenatals-transforment-le-deuil-en-joie-pour-des-meres-congolaisesIn Congo, The United Methodist Church’s health program is restoring hope to women who had suffered repeated miscarriages.Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:23:31 -0500{F84D7456-DD44-4FD2-84A1-6643F1EA8010}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/l-eglise-forme-des-jeunes-pour-promouvoir-la-paix-au-congo-estSupported by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the training aims to transform young people in eastern Congo into agents of peace in a region destabilized by war.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:17:54 -0500{E2F90926-41A3-4BDB-BA8F-C80C75043632}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/fresh-expressions-movement-reshapes-churchUnited Methodist ministries set in tattoo parlors, yoga studios and restaurants are reaching people outside the sanctuary.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:49:09 -0500{56EF6A68-6777-419A-B7A8-9F1A58C72C25}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/minnesota-pastor-testifies-to-us-congressThe Rev. Mariah Tollgaard, senior pastor of Hamline United Methodist Church, spoke to a U.S. House committee about the impact of the federal crackdown on her parishioners and state. “No nation can build a true future on the terror of its own people,” she said. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:25:24 -0600{794D8B46-95C9-4FB3-907D-DAEE25BA04FD}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/pastors-walk-a-political-tightropePolitical and moral polarization is prominent in the United States, and United Methodist pastors are treading carefully on these issues as they lead diverse congregations.Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:43:00 -0600{4C72CAA7-F114-4976-872C-0D0C616478A1}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/finding-unity-in-diversity-a-churchs-journey-with-rev-daniel-hawkinsIn “Signs of Life,” a new podcast from UM News, Ben Ward talks with the Rev. Daniel Hawkins about bringing diverse church members to the table and having sometimes hard conversations to be in community together.Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:20:28 -0600{37F6E165-4076-4ECE-BF72-A5FD2BB07DD8}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/winter-guard-meets-wesleyan-warmthSt. John’s United Methodist Church in South Carolina opens its doors to out-of-state teen performers at a moment’s notice, showing the United Methodist connection at work. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:24:16 -0600{8AB38667-0C3C-4BDB-8BE7-DF6A5419A14B}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/with-dei-dismantled-ministries-still-work-for-diversitySeveral United Methodist annual conferences have staff members whose job titles call for them to promote multicultural ministries and racial equity. They’re doing this work at a time when DEI policies have been targeted by the Trump administration. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:53:00 -0600{3DA29DD1-9E66-4208-AC97-CA85DD75E7D8}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/dare-to-take-risks-to-move-church-forward-pastor-saysThe Rev. Stephen Handy envisions more United Methodist churches using the spare space in their buildings to build partnerships in their neighborhoods.Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:22:00 -0600{A667CFBA-25A4-4D03-A74C-C03E976E58D5}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-take-immigration-concerns-to-dcUnited Methodists traveled great distances to Washington, DC to stand in witness for the rights of immigrants.Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:32:22 -0600{55BBA092-FFCF-4DB2-AAB7-5754AA762D27}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-lead-witness-for-immigrantsMore than 2,000 people of faith marched around the U.S. Capitol to witness to the Christian faith and to let immigrants know that they do not stand alone. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:13:51 -0600{D045D59D-CE1B-47C4-BB2B-4DE5E8DBC4FF}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-must-do-messy-work-of-restoring-communityThe world is watching to see if Christians can do what we proclaim and love across the chasms that defeat everyone else, writes the Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:46:00 -0600{33ED7265-CA09-44DF-A3DB-6A047F3A5878}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/central-african-united-methodists-celebrate-33-new-pastorsThe United Methodist Church’s ordinations in the country mark a spiritual renaissance for communities long deprived of clergy. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:44:11 -0600{93E46C49-4BCE-4DC3-B556-9775FA1ED368}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/commitment-to-serve-joyfully-defines-churchUnited Methodist leaders joined to explore how Wesleyan theology shapes the denomination’s approach to mission around the globe, from hosting food pantries to caring for migrants to addressing injustice. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:16:36 -0600{E05F8424-D964-46F6-BE72-5F3BA1B78305}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/growing-church-conference-calls-leaders-back-to-discipleshipThe gathering has evolved from a jurisdictional initiative into a nationwide event, now welcoming pastors serving cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments.Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:16:22 -0600{E22244AF-9463-42C1-9A37-FA43150D4D15}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/a-clean-page-for-a-critical-timeMoving into a new year, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century is working to meet the urgent needs of Black congregations.Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:04:00 -0600{57586B19-9B4D-40B3-98FF-F96FBCD14ACE}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/baguio-episcopal-area-equips-faith-leadersThe Baguio Episcopal Area of the Philippines Regional Conference held a three-day 2026 BEA Convocation with the theme “Bagnos iti Panagdaliasat,” meaning guide to the journey. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:33:14 -0600{8A35CBFF-F714-404E-BC3B-FC17571AECD7}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/overseas-filipino-workers-celebrate-faith-in-a-faraway-landOverseas Filipino workers and migrants gathered to celebrate the founding The United Methodist Church in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:20:29 -0600{5F6ACDC7-F60B-441A-A2B2-4C7A4F1CBCE5}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/us-threats-to-greenland-challenge-churchA United Methodist pastor from the U.S. who serves in Denmark shared the ongoing impact of U.S. aggression on international relations. He also shared what it means for the church. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:54:45 -0600{29105B4B-467C-400C-A17E-8FD326EBE09D}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-in-nigeria-celebrate-growth-unityWith a focus on evangelism and income-generating projects, United Methodist bishop says church is thriving spiritually and economically.Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:46:00 -0600{85A56590-FFCC-415F-9245-C2A07780F692}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/making-regionalization-a-reality-for-the-churchUnited Methodist leaders have embarked on a significant reimagining of the Book of Discipline. They also heard an update on the formation of a U.S. regional conference. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:46:00 -0600{051AF048-A284-45E9-A1F6-CD6E16BB2CE8}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/pastor-dances-with-joy-in-mardi-gras-paradesThe Rev. Colleen Bookter, a United Methodist pastor, annually marches in New Orleans parades as part of Fat Tuesday festivities. It’s “a chance to be silly and sassy and celebrate community.”Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:54:41 -0600{7FA57DF9-DD29-4E7A-A624-40D5E4FBCDBF}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-connection-bolsters-college-financesAt a time when many U.S. colleges struggle to survive, United Methodist-related Greensboro College credits two church institutions with helping it chart a sustainable future. The collaboration could serve as a model for higher education. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:12:00 -0600{BF7A9E1F-FD1F-4DEB-8BF9-5527EA8765A6}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/celebrate-black-history-month-by-listening-to-historic-voicesKey figures in the Civil Rights Movement were interviewed on “Night Call,” a 1960s-era call-in radio program from United Methodist Communications. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:11:00 -0600{43F515FC-082F-4B54-B1D4-4E0DDE6C8BE7}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/churchgoers-take-social-principles-to-lawmakersConcerns about immigration, education and criminal justice drive a record number of United Methodists to participate in Tennessee Day on the Hill in 2026.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:01:51 -0600{6AFB077D-E2B2-4A35-945B-B7A6F974AEB9}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/obispo-saenz-esto-es-historico-para-el-metodismo-en-america-latina“This is historic for Methodism in Latin America,” says Bishop Rubén Sáenz Jr., episcopal leader of the United Methodist Mission in Honduras.Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:50:43 -0600{0AE88CAD-6356-4FBE-97CC-C2C6A68BD0EA}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/sager-brown-depot-to-close-as-umcor-shifts-relief-kit-workThe United Methodist Committee on Relief said the changes will reduce costs while strengthening its disaster response ministry.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:56:13 -0600{CF5C431E-3919-44BA-B82C-652322AE2BD7}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/decision-on-sensitive-location-policy-comingAs a Los Angeles United Methodist church reels from a recent raid by ICE that led to the quick deportation of one of its members, a U.S. appeals court heard arguments that the federal memo that allowed the raid should be struck down. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:48:06 -0600{5FAA8FE5-65A5-46C5-A68F-984EFA2EB223}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodist-school-brings-olympic-gloryAlaska Pacific University, a small college with strong United Methodist ties, is sending nine cross-country skiers to the 2026 Winter Games. The university also has a commitment to Alaska Native students. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:02:48 -0600{4CE1A6A9-492A-49C1-BB8B-8FC655759768}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/small-churches-can-do-large-ministriesSome people need diapers for their children, while others need a place to recover from surgery and freedom from medical debts. Three United Methodist churches are responding — and making an outsize contribution to their communities.Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:12:00 -0600{999C661D-3DD5-445E-B8AE-8AF5CF4C1D19}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/connect-with-god-through-nature-during-lentAuthors of a new creation care devotional say God still speaks to us in the scriptural “whisper of the wind,” but we need to remove our headphones to hear him.Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:10:33 -0600{6E14F552-8D4E-4249-9BE0-E4112615AC4E}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/malawi-farm-aims-to-improve-lives-draw-people-to-christSupported by a grant from The United Methodist Church’s Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, Mikundi Dairy Farm provides a model for community empowerment and evangelism.Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:32:00 -0600{E2A64F78-477D-4024-B34F-364AA04E8AE6}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/mobile-clinic-heals-physically-and-spirituallyDuring the first three years of its operation, the United Methodist clinic has provided more than 21,000 vaccinations, treated thousands of babies and mothers, and diagnosed malaria, malnutrition, HIV and other health problems.Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:10:00 -0600{38205B4C-B142-402C-A5A5-1BC69E88EC41}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishops-visit-signals-new-hope-in-malawiAfter years of legal turmoil in the country, Bishop Gift K. Machinga meets with church leaders to hear about challenges, create a roadmap for future. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:08:00 -0600{9844718A-BB91-4566-BCB4-9CBA2BD9BE6B}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-responds-to-catastrophic-flooding-in-mozambiqueBishop João Filimone Sambo urges United Methodists to take safety precautions and calls for prayer support. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:05:22 -0600{EAFD7006-B3B0-4717-88D6-D0CA1A7937E8}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/know-your-rights-when-theyre-under-threatUnited Methodist legal experts have released updated guidance for interacting with federal immigration enforcement, but they also note that asserting constitutional rights now carries more risks.Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:14:36 -0600{FEDE1D55-AB5D-4DC7-81DF-22377CC4BDDC}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/brick-by-brick-persistent-pastor-builds-own-churchAfter decades worshipping under a tree in Zimbabwe, United Methodist congregation gets permanent sanctuary constructed by local pastor and his family.Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:27:00 -0600{7819DBA3-C252-41A9-9965-0ED54BABB7FC}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/us-pastors-stand-against-federal-crackdownUnited Methodist clergy from across the U.S. joined in an interfaith protest Jan. 23 against federal violence in Minnesota. Now with federal agents responsible for another person’s death, pressure for accountability is mounting.Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:06:41 -0600{776C4121-F4AC-4359-BC5F-CD6BF71F020E}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/what-does-it-mean-for-the-church-to-love-boldlyChurch scholars and leaders joined to explore how Wesleyan theology shapes who United Methodists are around the globe and how it informs the denomination’s new vision.Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:46:38 -0600{475719CA-7DDD-4F8F-975E-49876A66706E}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/in-troubling-times-look-to-higher-lawGilbert Haven, a Methodist pastor, taught that opening ourselves to God and seeing things from a divine point of view enables us to act from cleaner motives — and we must act.Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:53:00 -0600{C5736560-608C-4A22-A44D-96548CC36556}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/como-en-la-epifania-la-esperanza-persiste-y-las-fronteras-no-la-detienenA health clinic in Honduras supported by UMCOR and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries provides much-needed relief as migration continues. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:08:16 -0600{3ADDB886-F2C4-43BA-AE19-D95D0E68CB1B}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/maxime-mbayo-restera-dans-les-memoires-comme-pionnier-de-la-traduction-de-la-bible-au-congoThe Rev. Mbayo Mwepu Maxime, a leader of evangelism in North Katanga who helped translate the Bible into the regional native language, has died at the age of 70.Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:30:22 -0600{2F8367E7-78D1-4D7B-93C2-C6FEA39ED197}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/lorenzo-dows-crazy-lifeBorn in the late 18th century, Lorenzo Dow was anti-slavery and not big on personal hygiene. He was also a more popular Methodist preacher than many of his contemporaries.Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:09:00 -0600{B4443A12-0AFD-41CE-ACA6-16B559AF1999}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/crazy-lorenzo-joins-other-fictional-methodistsA novel by a graduate of United Methodist Candler School of Theology features a woman searching for her father, who is based on an eccentric 19th century preacher.Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:05:00 -0600